Long Haul Budget Flights – Are They Really Worth It?

A flight across the Atlantic is a little different than a quick two hour Ryanair one to Spain so the question is are long haul budget flights worth the savings? Or are you best sticking to the big, well known brands for this type of travel? Keep reading to hear all about my experience.

During my time at uni, my go to procrastination site was Skyscanner and I would immediately look up flights to NYC. Dreaming of just packing a small bag and heading out there for a weekend – 16 hours of travel for two days makes sense right?? Anyway a few years back I remember always seeing a tonne of flights from Wow Air for really cheap prices. But then I read that they went out of business so I thought “there goes my cheap weekends to the US”. Enter Play. The new kid on the block.

How did I end up booking a cheap long haul flight?

I flew out to the US with British Airways using credit card points so I only had to pay £145 (in taxes and fees), which I thought was an absolute steal. I was planning to do the exact same for the return flight. At the time I didn’t know the date I was flying back nor the airports on either end, so that kinda makes things a little harder. Hence why I was booking two separate flights rather than a round trip.

About 6 weeks after I booked my outbound flight, I finally had all the info to book my flight out of the US. I thought it would be best to check Skyscanner before I went ahead and spent some more of the Avios’ I’d accumulated. Well, imagine my face when Skyscanner spat out a flight from Boston to London for just £83. Yep, you’ve read that right, eight and three, £83. CRAZY!!!

So not only was this less cash up front than my super-steal flight out but I wouldn’t have to part with any of my precious Avios. Win win. I immediately jumped on it and booked the flight before they changed their mind.

Really, just £83!!!

Now, like with all classic budget airlines, this £83 was the base ticket price. Meaning it only included myself and one teeny tiny bag which my big ass backpack cannot pass for no matter how much I wish it could. So I had to factor in baggage before I went through with it. Thinking this would make the flight hundreds more expensive (you know what they say about things that are too good to be true!!), once again I was shocked when it only increased the price to £133.14 – still cheaper than the taxes and fees I paid for my reward flight.

Right now I’ve given some context, let’s get stuck into the nitty gritty…

Who did I fly with?

I flew with Play which is a relatively new airline offering budget tickets from North America to Europe or vice versa. Play flys to 33 European destinations from 5 North American hubs. With all of their flights going via Reykjavík as Play are an Icelandic company.

What did the ticket include?

When I say it was basic, I mean basic. The ticket basically just included a seat across the Atlantic. Everything else was extra. Think a Ryanair or EasyJet flight and you’re right on the money. But little perk which I was 99% sure I wouldn’t have was usb ports!! That was a nice little surprise when I boarded.

Was it the same as flying BA?

No. In all honestly, the seats were bigger on Play but all the nice added bonus’ that you usually get when you fly long-haul we’re none existent. There is no mini-tv with tonnes of good shows & movies, no included food and drinks (I did miss the little gin they brought me on my BA flight) and none of the amenities (e.g. headphones, blanket). But it will get you across the Atlantic and free up a tonne of extra money for those aperol spritz’s when you get to Europe!!

Would you do it again?

10000%!!! I actually really enjoy flying and have no issues entertaining myself for hours at a time whilst sitting in a teeny tiny seat (I once spent 48 hours on an Amtrak train). So the fact that long haul budget flights don’t include a bunch of amenities does not outweigh the savings for me. I’d much rather have the extra cash in my account than a smelly airplane blanket and a shitty microwave meal 😂

Now for the big question…

Are long-haul budget flights worth it?

HELL YES!!! Without a doubt long-haul budget flights are worth it! For me personally that is. You have to weigh up the pros and cons for your own situation and comfort level but I’m gonna bet you too would also prefer the extra cash in your wallet!

I’d love to know if you’ve ever taken a long haul budget flight. What was your experience like? Would you do it again?